Inward Eye

Canadian trio Inward Eye have earned comparison to a number of potent high-energy rock bands of the past, including the Clash, the Jam, and the Who, and they received the seal of approval from the latter group when the Who invited Inward Eye to open for them during a 2006 tour of Canada. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Inward Eye are comprised of three brothers, bassist and lead singer Dave Erickson (born 1983), guitarist Kyle Erickson (born 1985), and drummer Anders Erickson (born 1987). The siblings began making music together in 1997, but it wasn't until 2003 that they started earning a reputation for themselves on the Canadian music scene. When the buzz spread about them, it spread fast -- by 2004, Glen Willows (who in the '80s played guitar with Canadian hitmakers Harlequin) and Rob Lanni had signed on as the group's managers, and it wasn't long before the band was filling clubs along Canada's West Coast. Producer Arnold Lanni, whose credits include Simple Plan and Our Lady Peace, helped work up demos for Inward Eye, and they opened stages for the likes of Urge Overkill and Billy Talent. In 2006, the group's constant roadwork (frequent Canadian tours and occasional showcase gigs in the United States) paid off when Inward Eye were signed to a record deal with J Records; the band's debut album was expected to reach stores in 2007. ~ Mark Deming